The popular diabetes drug is facing a shortage as demand for it has increased significantly due to its ability to help people lose weight, according to the FDA.
For years, people have searched for magic pills to shed unwanted weight with little or no effort.
The drug in question, Ozempic, is an injectable semaglutide that helps lower A1C, and people continue to use it as is, even though the company specifically says it’s not for weight loss.
According to Ozempic’s official website, along with diet and exercise, the drug can improve blood sugar levels in adults with type 2 diabetes and reduce the risk of major cardiovascular events such as stroke, heart attack and death. Proven. The website also mentions that the drug can cause serious side effects, such as the possibility of thyroid tumors, including cancer.
Ozempic was approved by the Food and Drug Administration in 2017 and has been in short supply in the United States since at least August 2022, according to the FDA. The drug carries a hefty price tag with an average retail price of $1,000.
The trend started through TikTok, where users shared their weight loss journeys and discussed their experiences with drugs. Many people lose weight with medication, but some gain weight.
Apparently, doctors are prescribing Ozempic “off label” which is not illegal.
According to the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Novo Nordisk has all Ozempic presentations on intermittent backorder and the company releases products as they become available.
Shortages are expected to last until March 2023, making it difficult for patients who really need it.
Dr. Nancy Georgekutty, an obesity medicine specialist at Methodist Mansfield, talks about what happens when the FDA approves other GLP-1 drugs for the treatment of obesity.
Many online pharmacies also claim to prescribe Ozempic, and doctors warn consumers to use it with caution.
The FDA tracks fraudulent drug websites. You can find that list here.
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